Around Guatemala in 30 Days

Pyramids at Tikal. One of the largest largest archaeological sites in the region, the ruins at Tikal are imposing monuments to one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayan world. The ruins would be impressive enough on their own; but deep in the jungle they are simply awe-inspiring. Look in the trees - the site is overrun with monkeys.

From technicoloured, shoulder-to-shoulder highland markets to the silent jungle ruins of Tikal, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by just how diverse Guatemala is. Each region of this small country has its own flavour. Food, clothing and even language seems to vary every few kilometres. If on arrival you find concrete Guatemala City stale, don’t despair. Beyond the capital, most of Guatemala is a totally different world waiting to be explored.

Ringed by Mayan villages and three volcanoes, Lago Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America (and probably the most picturesque as well).

Ringed by Mayan villages and three volcanoes, Lago Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America (and probably the most picturesque as well).

IMG_5395

The azure waters of Semuc Chempey.

Fishing boats in the coastal Garifuna enclave of Livingston. Inaccessible by land, the once isolated Livingston still feels like it’s a world away from the rest of Guatemala, despite being a well-worn pitstop on the backpacker trail. Yet off the town’s gaudy tourist strip, this funky fishing community is a decent place to chill for a few days. The only downsides are the stinking heat and hordes of dengue fever and malaria carrying mosquitoes. Stock up on insect repellent and cold beers.

Fishing boats in the coastal Garifuna enclave of Livingston. Inaccessible by land, the once isolated Livingston still feels like it’s a world away from the rest of Guatemala, despite being a well-worn pitstop on the backpacker trail. Yet off the town’s gaudy tourist strip, this funky fishing community is a decent place to chill for a few days. The only downsides are the stinking heat and hordes of dengue fever and malaria carrying mosquitoes. Stock up on insect repellent and cold beers.

IMG_4831

IMG_4885

Antigua is pretty much Guatemala’s Disneyland. If you love shameless gentrification and soulless commodification, then this tourist-town is perfect for you.

Antigua is pretty much Guatemala’s Disneyland. If you love shameless gentrification and soulless commodification, then this tourist-town is perfect for you.

The “jardin” in the Candelaria caves.

The “jardin” in the Candelaria caves.

Market in the highland town of San Cristobal.

Market in the highland town of San Cristobal.

Pyramids at Tikal. One of the largest largest archaeological sites in the region, the ruins at Tikal are imposing monuments to one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayan world. The ruins would be impressive enough on their own; but deep in the jungle they are simply awe-inspiring. Look in the trees - the site is overrun with monkeys.

Pyramids at Tikal. One of the largest largest archaeological sites in the region, the ruins at Tikal are imposing monuments to one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Mayan world. The ruins would be impressive enough on their own; but deep in the jungle they are simply awe-inspiring. Look in the trees – the site is overrun with monkeys.

IMG_5059

Spider monkey

Spider monkey

Country road near Chicoj.

Country road near Chicoj.

Maximon the Mayan saint.

Maximon the Mayan saint in Santiago Atitlan. Worshipped throughout the highlands, Maximon is an enigmatic character that smokes, drinks and occasionally grants good luck to his followers.

View of Santiago Atitlan from the San Pedro Volcano.

View of Santiago Atitlan from the San Pedro Volcano.

Sunset at Atitlan.

Sunset at Atitlan.

Check out my first photo album on Guatemala here (it’s a much better album, in my opinion).

3 Comments on Around Guatemala in 30 Days

  1. Beautiful photos!

  2. Reblogged this on FXHQ.

  3. Awesome photos! I loved Guatemala, especially Lake Atitilan. It’s such a beautiful country!

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: